Re: Memes Meta-Memes and Politics 3 of 3 (1988, updates 2002)

From: Philip Jonkers (philipjonkers@prodigy.net)
Date: Sun Feb 10 2002 - 23:06:38 GMT

  • Next message: Philip Jonkers: "Re: Memes Meta-Memes and Politics 3 of 3 (1988, updates 2002)" 

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From: "Philip Jonkers" <philipjonkers@prodigy.net>
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Subject: Re: Memes Meta-Memes and Politics 3 of 3 (1988, updates 2002)
Date: Sun, 10 Feb 2002 14:06:38 -0900
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    Keith:
    > [Of course the other end of the spectrum with an end at "utterly
    > uncritical" is to be so skeptical of what you are told that you don't
    > believe those who tell you streets are dangerous places to play. So the
    > bell curve gets trimmed on both ends.]

    There are two sides to that medal. Altough being skeptical about the meme:
    'playing in the street is dangerous' won't aid in survival, being skeptical
    about
    the meme: 'playing in the street in safe' does.

    I think an attitude of skepsis has an optimum in effectiveness regarding
    survivability. To some extent being skeptical obviously is useful as it
    allows for
    implementation of a selective filter for memes. The `don't believe
    everything you
    breathe' meme. On the other hand being extremely skeptical ultimately means
    social exclusion as you don't believe anything or anybody. You will then
    fail to function in any social environment which requires group conformity
    and unison of thought and behavior.

    Philip.

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